The Royal Netherlands Navy’s fourth and final Holland-Class oceangoing patrol vessel (OPV), Hr. Ms. Groningen (P843) has arrived at its future homeport of Den Helder, Netherlands.
Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding (DSNS) had received a contract in December 2007 to build four patrol vessels for an estimated cost of $687.9m for the Royal Netherlands Navy.
Christened on 21 April 2012, Groningen has already completed its sea acceptance trials in the same month and was scheduled for the final outfitting of certain systems and components at the shipyard.
Equipped with radars, communication and optical sensors, remote-control systems and weapons, the patrol ships can accommodate a crew of 50 and will replace the four M-frigates currently in service with the Dutch Navy.
The 108m-long flexibly deployable patrol ship has been designed to support international law enforcement and security missions, including combating piracy and counter-drugs operations.
Powered by a combined electric or diesel (CODELOD) propulsion system, the patrol vessel also comprises of two MAN 12V28/33 diesel engines rated at 5,400kW and automated systems, such as a shore support and management system, calamity system, warning system and monitoring system.
The 16m-wide patrol ships have a draught of 4.55m, a displacement capacity of 3,750t and a range of 5,000nm while cruising at a top speed of 21.5kt.
Capable of carrying NH-90 helicopters, the OPVs are equipped with a 76mm Oto-Melara gun, a rapid-fire 30mm gun and two 12.7mm Hitrole machine guns.
Additional features of the OPVs include Thales integrated sensor and communication systems (ISCS) which are comprised of communication and optical sensors, RF systems and radars.
The ships’ sensor suites involve a Sea Master 400 air warning radar, a Watcher 100 active phased-array surface detection and tracking radar, identification friend or foe (IFF) system and electro-optic or infra-red panoramic surveillance system.
The navy has already received three Holland-Class vessels, the Holland, Zeeland and Friesland.
Image: Gun system of the Royal Netherlands Navy’s third Holland-class oceangoing patrol vessel, Friesland. Photo courtesy of: Ministry of Defence.
